Hiking Basics | Trail Etiquette 101 – Arizona Hikers Guide

Have you ever been annoyed by the amount of trash you see while hiking a trail? Have you ever witnessed someone carving “I heart blank” into the delicate bark of an aspen? Have you ever had to step over human feces because someone decided to drop trow in the middle of the trail? I think all of us have experiences in the wilderness that make us upset with humanity, I know I have.

But before I rant and rave about this topic I have a confession to make. I have been one of those idiots that carve hearts in trees and left trash on the trail (although I’ve never pooped in the middle of a trail, who does that anyways?).

When I first got serious about hiking I had no idea that you had to be conscious of other people and that there are “unspoken rules” of the trail. I have learned a lot over the years from reading, observing, and asking other hikers (as well as getting the stink-eye on the trail) and I am going to share with you some of the most important trail etiquette techniques with you today. After reading this post I hope you feel better about getting out on our beautiful trails and spreading the word to other hikers (like others who helped me). Here we go!

Many trails are used by hikers, bikers, and horses.  These such trails are called multi-purpose trails and it is important to know who gets to go and who needs to stop shop.  A simple rule of thumb is that both hikers and bikers yield to horses (pretty common sense).  Let those big fellas on through.  When yielding to horses try to step off the trail as much as you can as to not spook them.

Hikers have next priority in the hierarchy of the trail. Now this rule has some wiggle room and I don’t always agree with bikers yielding to hikers. It’s just easier for a hiker to take a quick step off the trail to let a speeding mountain bike pass than it is for a biker to brake and dismount. I usually just let them pass and you should take it as a case by case basis. Let me know what you think in the comments.

This is a simple rule to follow but many still don’t adhere to it. There’s a couple problems with getting off the trail that many don’t think of when “trailblazing” or creating their own shortcuts. First, it causes erosion and can damage or destroy the hard work of trail maintenance crews. Second, you are probably trampling foliage and habitats when you shortcut or make your own trail. Lastly, it’s potentially dangerous for you and other hikers and in the end it most likely won’t save you any time trying to cut through a switchback. Be cool, stay on the trail.

Our cell phones have become a part of our daily lives and have changed the way we do many things, even on the trail.  Instead of carrying a camera, GPS, and trail journal along with us we can now just slip our smartphones into our pockets and go.  These devices have saved me some weight and and are very convenient.  However, there are common courtesies that we should remember when taking our phones on our next adventure.  Follow these rules and you’ll be sure not to piss off fellow hikers;

  1. Keep your phone in your pocket or in your bag.  There is just no need to be filming or taking pictures of every little thing on the trail (I’ve been guilty of this).
  2. Please, for the love of everything, stop with the nature poses.  I have hiked past the most irritating people who lug around giant tripods and huge cameras and have a photo session on the trail.  Stop.  It’s annoying.  Not everything has to be about your Instagram account (again, guilty).
  3. Don’t call or answer calls when you are outdoors.  It’s impressive that your phone can pick up calls deep in the wilderness but also super annoying.  Don’t be that guy or gal.
  4. Never, and I mean never, bring a selfie stick.  Do I need to explain?  Okay, I will.  Selfie sticks are ridiculous and they make you look like the ultimate tourist/novice.  Just don’t.

The folks at Leave No Trace do a great job at spreading the word about keeping our wilderness areas wild. There are a few ways that you can observe this rule;

  1. Pack out what you pack in.  This means all your trash (yes even the little part you pulled off your fruit snack wrapper) and even banana peels and orange rinds.  These can take a long time to compose and they look out of place.
  2. If you camp: The rule of thumb is to leave the area better than you found it.  That means cleaning up in a way that when you leave the next group would never have known you were there.
  3. Clean up after yourself and furry friend.  If you aren’t willing to pick up a warm dog turd then don’t bring him/her.
  4. If you are feeling extra nice you can pick up trash you see along the trail.  I’ve witnessed people packing out bags of trash that they have been generous enough to pack out for other idiots who leave it.

SMILE!
This goes without saying but I’ll say it anyways. Be nice. You are where you want to be! If someone is trekking uphill and you are coming downhill let them have the right-of-way. If you need to pass someone on the trail just say “hey there, can I slip by you guys?”. If you see a beautiful grove of aspens or some ancient ruins enjoy and leave them alone. Stop carving your girlfriends name into these poor trees (again, guilty… a long time ago).

Our nation’s trails we enjoy are meant to be shared, cared for, and passed on. Please do your part to help preserve our wild areas. And if you get an opportunity, volunteer for trail maintenance or clean up!

Do you have a trail pet peeve? Let me know in the comments below!